[Veterinarian Explains] Common Diseases in British Shorthairs: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Diabetes, Urolithiasis, and More

The British Shorthair, with its somewhat rounded body and fluffy, soft fur, ranked 6th in the 2023 most popular cat breeds. Although British Shorthairs are commonly seen in pet shops these days, they are susceptible to several diseases, including some hereditary conditions.

This article will discuss the common diseases that British Shorthairs are prone to and how to prevent them.

Characteristics of the British Shorthair

The British Shorthair is a cat breed native to Britain with a very long history. Cats brought to Britain by Roman invaders around the 2nd century are believed to be the ancestors of the British Shorthair. Originally brought in for rodent control, they settled in Britain. As Britain is an island nation, cats from outside could not easily enter, and the population bred within the island.

Systematic breeding began in the 1820s, and the breed gained fame after winning various awards at the world's first cat show in 1871. Although it faced extinction during World War II, enthusiasts crossbred them with Persian cats, which is believed to have created their current body shape and coat colors.

The British Shorthair is characterized by its gray fur, often called "British Blue," but due to crossbreeding with various other breeds, there is now a wider range of coat colors. Their fur is very dense, giving them a soft and fluffy feel.

They also have distinct blood types (A, B, AB). While most cats in Japan are Type A, 40% of British Shorthairs are Type B. Furthermore, while most cats mature physically by one year of age, British Shorthairs grow slowly, reaching full maturity between three and five years.

British Shorthairs are said to have an independent, calm, and reserved personality. However, they show deep affection to those they trust. It could be described as a typical "tsundere" cat personality.

Diseases British Shorthairs are Prone to and Prevention Methods

While British Shorthairs are generally healthy among purebreds, some genetic disorders have been identified. They are also susceptible to certain diseases during their lifetime.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

British Shorthairs are said to be genetically predisposed to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). HCM is a disease where the heart muscle thickens, making it difficult for the heart to contract effectively.

When blood cannot be adequately pumped to the lungs and throughout the body, symptoms such as difficulty breathing, open-mouth breathing, pleural effusion, ascites, and lethargy may occur. HCM can also develop in young cats, and sudden death can occur even without prior symptoms.

Furthermore, blood clots are more likely to form in the hearts of cats with HCM, and these clots can block the major arteries in the hind legs. If a clot blocks an artery, symptoms such as hind limb paralysis, cold and purple paw pads, and severe pain may appear. By the time HCM symptoms become apparent, the disease is usually very advanced and life-threatening.

Treatment for HCM involves intensive care in an oxygen chamber. If blood clots are present, thrombolytic therapy is administered, but there is a risk of death if the treatment is ineffective. Once the condition stabilizes, oral medication is prescribed and must be continued for life.

Since HCM has a strong genetic component, there is no specific prevention method. Regular health check-ups and cardiac examinations are recommended for early detection.

Diabetes Mellitus 

Diabetes mellitus is a disease where the pancreas produces insufficient insulin, leading to an excess of glucose (blood sugar) in the blood, which is the energy source for cells.

Insulin plays a role in transporting blood glucose into the body's cells, but with diabetes, this process is impaired, causing cells to suffer from energy deficiency.

Diabetes can be triggered by obesity, in addition to genetic factors. Initial symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst, urination, and appetite, but if high blood sugar persists, it can lead to life-threatening conditions such as vomiting, weight loss, and coma.

Treatment for diabetes involves insulin injections. Since these are needed daily, once the insulin dosage is stable, owners can administer them at home. In cases of diabetes, insulin therapy may be combined with dietary management. Therefore, follow your veterinarian's instructions regarding insulin and diet during treatment.

Feline diabetes is thought to be related to inflammation, and treatment can sometimes eliminate the need for insulin.

It is crucial to prevent obesity to prevent diabetes. Owners should control their cat's food and treat intake to avoid overfeeding.

Urolithiasis

British Shorthairs are also prone to urolithiasis, a condition where stones (calculi) form in the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra. Symptoms include frequent urination, straining to urinate without producing urine, bloody urine, and crying out loudly during urination.

Depending on the type of stone, some can be dissolved with dietary changes. If the stones are large, surgical removal may be necessary.

Urolithiasis tends to recur, so if your cat is diagnosed, switch to a therapeutic diet for urinary stones. Also, insufficient water intake can promote stone formation, so environmental adjustments, such as changing or increasing the number and height of water bowls to encourage drinking, are necessary. Obesity is also a risk factor for urolithiasis, so weight management is crucial for British Shorthairs, who tend to gain weight easily.

If a cat cannot urinate due to urolithiasis, kidney function can decline within a few hours. If you notice this, take your cat to the veterinarian immediately.

Skin Diseases

Despite being a short-haired breed, British Shorthairs have very dense fur. Therefore, neglecting brushing can lead to tangled shed hair and skin inflammation.

Skin inflammation can manifest as hair loss, red skin, dandruff, itching, and rashes.

Depending on the severity of the dermatitis, oral medication may be necessary. Daily brushing can prevent this, so even short-haired breeds should be brushed once a day.

Summary

The British Shorthair boasts an attractive rounded body and soft fur. They are prone to obesity and can develop skin inflammation. They are also susceptible to diabetes, urolithiasis, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, conditions that can be life-threatening once symptoms appear.

It is important to schedule regular health check-ups to facilitate early detection and intervention.